Popular K-Pop idols under fire for “mocking” disabled and neurodivergent people

Popular K-Pop idols under fire for “mocking” disabled and neurodivergent people

Netizens found the content offensive.

Recently, members of DIVING studiesGet real The podcast faced criticism after part of an episode went viral.

A new episode of the podcast was uploaded to YouTube on December 9th. This episode featured the usual hosts, BTOB‘S Penis, Women’s Code‘S Ashley Choi, PAPER’S BMtogether with the guest 82MAJOR‘S Yechan.

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BM, Yechan, Peniel and Ashley (left to right) | Underwater studies

The four idols discuss Yechan’s past, including his relationship with his brother, P1 Harmony‘S Other. Peniel says that the two have been in school for a year together due to their three-year age difference, surprising Yechan with the knowledge.

After saying he knew because of their age difference, Peniel says he doesn’t”A slow person,“making hand gestures and a low sound into the microphone.

The clip was uploaded to X, and went viral with over 2.6 million views.

Many have criticized Peniel’s behavior as ableism, defined as a set of beliefs and practices that discriminate against people with disabilities. His statement that he is not “slow” accompanied by actions he perceives as such could be considered a mockery of disabled or neurotypical people, including those with autism.

Disabled or neurotypical individuals could potentially move or vocalize (i.e. pace) the way Peniel did, but casting them as “slow” or unintelligent is an ableist stereotype that has existed in media and culture for many years.

Screenshot dated 12-29-2024 at 13:18:01
| @theiepmom/Instagram

Netizens criticized not only Peniel, but also other participants due to their laughter at his actions.

You can watch the full episode below.

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